Section 488 — Offences by Hindu undivided family

(1) Where an offence under this Act has been committed by a Hindu undivided
family, the karta thereof shall be deemed to be guilty of the offence and shall
be liable to be proceeded against and punished accordingly.
(2) Nothing contained in sub-section (1) shall render the karta liable to any pun -
ishment, if he proves that the offence was committed without his knowledge or
that he had exercised all due diligence to prevent the commission of such offence.
(3) Irrespective of anything contained in sub-sections (1) and (2), where an offence
under this Act, has been committed by a Hindu undivided family and it is proved
that the offence has been committed with the consent or connivance of, or is attrib-
utable to any neglect on the part of, any member of the Hindu undivided family,
such member shall also be deemed to be guilty of that offence and shall be liable
to be proceeded against and punished accordingly.